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LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Dog Soldiers (2002) in Movies
Jan 12, 2021
Dog Soldiers might be showing its age by now, but damn it's still a ride.
The cast absolutely make it - I've never been one of those "wheeey lads, football" kind of guys, but the group of soldiers that the film follows have great chemistry, and just feel real. I always enjoy Sean Pertwee, and here is no different. I would argue that it's one of his best performances to date, from the fantastic monologue about his mate in Iraq near the start, to his increasingly mad and out of it schtick near the films climax.
Its an incredibly well paced movie as well. It doesn't take long for shit to hit the fan, and the rest of the narrative feels frantic, despite being set in one building for the most part.
There's a good amount of gore, and Neil Marshall is never afraid to show us his werewolves, and they look great! Its all practically done as well, giving us the cherry on top.
Dog Soldiers and The Descent are the two films that truly cemented Neil Marshall as a director to watch. Its nearly 20 years later and it's still a great watch and in my opinion, is one of the better werewolf films out there!
The cast absolutely make it - I've never been one of those "wheeey lads, football" kind of guys, but the group of soldiers that the film follows have great chemistry, and just feel real. I always enjoy Sean Pertwee, and here is no different. I would argue that it's one of his best performances to date, from the fantastic monologue about his mate in Iraq near the start, to his increasingly mad and out of it schtick near the films climax.
Its an incredibly well paced movie as well. It doesn't take long for shit to hit the fan, and the rest of the narrative feels frantic, despite being set in one building for the most part.
There's a good amount of gore, and Neil Marshall is never afraid to show us his werewolves, and they look great! Its all practically done as well, giving us the cherry on top.
Dog Soldiers and The Descent are the two films that truly cemented Neil Marshall as a director to watch. Its nearly 20 years later and it's still a great watch and in my opinion, is one of the better werewolf films out there!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Brightburn (2019) in Movies
Jun 25, 2019
A good idea
I love the idea for this film. An evil version of Superman as a horror film is a genius move, it's just a shame it isnt as well executed as it could have been.
One good thing is that this film jumps right into the story. No preamble or hours of filler, it cuts right to it and gets down to the point, which explains the rather short and refreshing 90 minute run time. The plot idea itself is good, I just think some of the jump scares are predictable and that some of the characters actions are so stupid - not quite on the level of Scream's "running up the stairs when they should be going out the front door" but not far off. This relies in some parts on stereotypical horror movie tropes like obvious jump scares and poor character decisions, and it had so much potential that wasn't realised. But that said, the gore was wonderful and the ending was a refreshing change to the norm. And I loved the little cameo from Michael Rooker. My only question is, was this meant to be an evil rip-off of Superman? I'm assuming that was the point to make an evil version, but I'm just surprised they got away with it...
One good thing is that this film jumps right into the story. No preamble or hours of filler, it cuts right to it and gets down to the point, which explains the rather short and refreshing 90 minute run time. The plot idea itself is good, I just think some of the jump scares are predictable and that some of the characters actions are so stupid - not quite on the level of Scream's "running up the stairs when they should be going out the front door" but not far off. This relies in some parts on stereotypical horror movie tropes like obvious jump scares and poor character decisions, and it had so much potential that wasn't realised. But that said, the gore was wonderful and the ending was a refreshing change to the norm. And I loved the little cameo from Michael Rooker. My only question is, was this meant to be an evil rip-off of Superman? I'm assuming that was the point to make an evil version, but I'm just surprised they got away with it...
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Ready or Not (2019) in Movies
Oct 3, 2019
Wonderfully dark fun
I went into this film not even having seen the trailer, instead going in blind based on having read some favourable reviews. And I can say that I was very pleasantly surprised.
This is a rather wonderful and fun horror, with a lot of laughs, a bit of gore and some marvellous dark comedy. This really doesn’t take itself too seriously and it’s all the better for it, some of the best scenes in this are of the family bickering between each other. That’s not to say the darker and more thrilling scenes in the film aren’t good, because they are. It’s rather tense watching Grace try and escape and her encounters with the deranged family members, and Samara Weaving plays her perfectly. I love the strong heroine aspect of this film, and that they haven’t gone down the stereotypical female needing to be rescued plot. I do think the scary and horror aspects of the film could have been increased and made more of, but it’s still a rather surprisingly good and bonkers film. The ending, whilst parts of it were potentially predictable, was absolutely genius and hilarious and such a fantastic way to end the film.
This is a rather wonderful and fun horror, with a lot of laughs, a bit of gore and some marvellous dark comedy. This really doesn’t take itself too seriously and it’s all the better for it, some of the best scenes in this are of the family bickering between each other. That’s not to say the darker and more thrilling scenes in the film aren’t good, because they are. It’s rather tense watching Grace try and escape and her encounters with the deranged family members, and Samara Weaving plays her perfectly. I love the strong heroine aspect of this film, and that they haven’t gone down the stereotypical female needing to be rescued plot. I do think the scary and horror aspects of the film could have been increased and made more of, but it’s still a rather surprisingly good and bonkers film. The ending, whilst parts of it were potentially predictable, was absolutely genius and hilarious and such a fantastic way to end the film.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama (1988) in Movies
Aug 21, 2020
Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama is without a shadow of a doubt, the kind of flaming garbage that you can't help but kind of like, a perfectly imperfect 80s horror that has just about enough silliness to make it watchable.
This means that the dialogue is balls awful, the effects are laughably cheap, and the films title is obviously miles better than the actual film.
It's directed by David DeCoteau (a phrase that doesn't exactly carry a stamp of excellence) which usually means that you're in for an underwhelming experience that borders on softcore porn, which is an accurate assessment in this case. Sorority Babes also doesn't really have any gore just to put the cherry on top, however, it still has a sort of shitty charm to it.
Despite all it's faults, it does feel like a moment in time, and firmly wedges itself into the pile of 80s horror that I could happily watch again, just for the ridiculous-ness of it all. It also stars genre scream queens Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens, and Michelle Bauer which is always a plus. There's a even a small role from George "Buck" Flower and the soundtrack is fucking great (fight me).
This means that the dialogue is balls awful, the effects are laughably cheap, and the films title is obviously miles better than the actual film.
It's directed by David DeCoteau (a phrase that doesn't exactly carry a stamp of excellence) which usually means that you're in for an underwhelming experience that borders on softcore porn, which is an accurate assessment in this case. Sorority Babes also doesn't really have any gore just to put the cherry on top, however, it still has a sort of shitty charm to it.
Despite all it's faults, it does feel like a moment in time, and firmly wedges itself into the pile of 80s horror that I could happily watch again, just for the ridiculous-ness of it all. It also stars genre scream queens Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens, and Michelle Bauer which is always a plus. There's a even a small role from George "Buck" Flower and the soundtrack is fucking great (fight me).
Awix (3310 KP) rated Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992) in Movies
May 27, 2020 (Updated Aug 2, 2020)
Second Hellraiser sequel and the first no-two-ways-about-it lousy one. Chief bondage demon Pinhead has been stripped of the limitations constraining his unpleasant recreational activities, which he likes, but also turned into a piece of interior decoration, which he doesn't. He endeavours to get himself released while a plucky young journalist tries to figure out why people keep turning up skinned or lacerated by flying chains.
A Hellraiser movie made with an American sensibility and for a mainstream American audience - one almost gets the sense the writers think they're making a Nightmare on Elm Street movie. The first half, with Pinhead stuck in a pillar, is not too bad, but they have to let him out eventually at which point the film's IQ and sense of restraint both vanish. Too much lazy gore and silly action (rubbish Cenobites wandering around New York City fighting the police). Doug Bradley just about saves the movie from being completely worthless, as he manages to chew the scenery even while being part of it; Terry Farrell was better in Star Trek. The occasional interesting idea or image but the film's main achievement is making the first two look better than they actually are.
A Hellraiser movie made with an American sensibility and for a mainstream American audience - one almost gets the sense the writers think they're making a Nightmare on Elm Street movie. The first half, with Pinhead stuck in a pillar, is not too bad, but they have to let him out eventually at which point the film's IQ and sense of restraint both vanish. Too much lazy gore and silly action (rubbish Cenobites wandering around New York City fighting the police). Doug Bradley just about saves the movie from being completely worthless, as he manages to chew the scenery even while being part of it; Terry Farrell was better in Star Trek. The occasional interesting idea or image but the film's main achievement is making the first two look better than they actually are.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Blood Quantum (2019) in Movies
Sep 3, 2021
"𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘶𝘴."
I know I'm not alone in feeling like this isn't exactly what I was expecting out of it - and normally I'm averse to this recent brand of doom-and-gloom, slow, often derivative apocalypse drama. But I think especially with the recent events in Canada as well as inequality during the COVID-19 pandemic this kind of authentic representation and potent anti-colonialist subtext rings as loud as it ever has - packs a *deafening* emotional wallop. I would have preferred trading out the A24-style blue collar weariness which I thought we were finally done with for something less purposefully sluggish, but on the same coin at least the metaphor actually works - and isn't about a random white person's trauma for the 800th time. Plus it's hard to shake a stick at anything that - at its best - harkens back to the days when "The Walking Dead" was actually good while featuring such strong, tangible moodiness and solid gore in its wake. And the cherry on top, it's only a cool 98 minutes so it's easily forgiven for being a tad messy and not focusing on enough characters properly. Looks mostly great, too - those animated segments 👌👌👌
I know I'm not alone in feeling like this isn't exactly what I was expecting out of it - and normally I'm averse to this recent brand of doom-and-gloom, slow, often derivative apocalypse drama. But I think especially with the recent events in Canada as well as inequality during the COVID-19 pandemic this kind of authentic representation and potent anti-colonialist subtext rings as loud as it ever has - packs a *deafening* emotional wallop. I would have preferred trading out the A24-style blue collar weariness which I thought we were finally done with for something less purposefully sluggish, but on the same coin at least the metaphor actually works - and isn't about a random white person's trauma for the 800th time. Plus it's hard to shake a stick at anything that - at its best - harkens back to the days when "The Walking Dead" was actually good while featuring such strong, tangible moodiness and solid gore in its wake. And the cherry on top, it's only a cool 98 minutes so it's easily forgiven for being a tad messy and not focusing on enough characters properly. Looks mostly great, too - those animated segments 👌👌👌
Anne (15117 KP) rated The Devil's Only Friend (John Cleaver, #4) in Books
Mar 4, 2022
This series just keeps getting better and better with each book. Dan Wells is another awesome author and writes this genre and series really well.
I remember after reading the first book in this series, I couldn't handle it and didn't want to read anymore because of how creepy it was thinking about your next-door neighbor that could be the crazy psycho on the loose. Then because I couldn't stop thinking about the book, I had to know what happened next so here I am almost done with this series and I don't want it to end.
He is good at writing this psychological suspense and such that can mess with your head, scare you and suck you in and not let you go until you know what happens and all the answers.
The thing that I come back to a lot with this series is how well he writes this so it creeps me out and yet uses little to no violence, gore, swearing, and such because clean reads are always a bonus and clean reads that creep me out like this are rare.
If you haven't checked out books by Dan Wells, you really should cause you're missing out.
I remember after reading the first book in this series, I couldn't handle it and didn't want to read anymore because of how creepy it was thinking about your next-door neighbor that could be the crazy psycho on the loose. Then because I couldn't stop thinking about the book, I had to know what happened next so here I am almost done with this series and I don't want it to end.
He is good at writing this psychological suspense and such that can mess with your head, scare you and suck you in and not let you go until you know what happens and all the answers.
The thing that I come back to a lot with this series is how well he writes this so it creeps me out and yet uses little to no violence, gore, swearing, and such because clean reads are always a bonus and clean reads that creep me out like this are rare.
If you haven't checked out books by Dan Wells, you really should cause you're missing out.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Zombie (The Cursed Manuscripts) in Books
Jan 16, 2022
I have loved reading horror books since I was a wee teenager and whilst I don't read as many nowadays, I do enjoy a Zombie-fest every now and again and here we have yet another cracker from Iain Rob Wright, who is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors to satisfy my horror fix.
What I like about Iain's books is that it's not just about the blood and gore, there is a good story behind it and interesting and believable characters and although they may not always react logically, it does make things interesting.
Zombie is a quick read but there's a lot packed into it. It's full of tension and heart-in-the-mouth moments as you would expect in this genre and if you don't like violence, I would give this a miss but for me, I am looking forward to more instalments in this story to see where it goes.
Well written and a great pace, this is a book that will appeal to lovers of the Zombie stories and horror books in general.
My thanks must go to Iain for accepting me into his "street team" and for providing me with an advance copy in return for comments and an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
What I like about Iain's books is that it's not just about the blood and gore, there is a good story behind it and interesting and believable characters and although they may not always react logically, it does make things interesting.
Zombie is a quick read but there's a lot packed into it. It's full of tension and heart-in-the-mouth moments as you would expect in this genre and if you don't like violence, I would give this a miss but for me, I am looking forward to more instalments in this story to see where it goes.
Well written and a great pace, this is a book that will appeal to lovers of the Zombie stories and horror books in general.
My thanks must go to Iain for accepting me into his "street team" and for providing me with an advance copy in return for comments and an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated The Northman (2022) in Movies
May 11, 2022
Robert Eggers continues his winning streak with The Northman, surely one of the most visually stunning and compelling movies in recent years. A Viking revenge story presented in his signature style is just cinematic crack waiting to happen as far as I'm concerned.
The first third is a fast moving setup that effectively establishes the characters and shows off quite an epic production. After that, The Northman becomes a tight and slow burning thriller as Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård) exacts a psychologically torturous revenge on the people who killer his father. It's a perfect marriage of powerful character drama, weird imagery, Viking culture and beliefs, bizarre gore, and fantasy set pieces, and it's slower pace ensures that it's utterly captivating.
The whole film looks incredible from start to finish and is complimented by a wonderful music score.
It's all cemented by a stacked cast. Skarsgård is a capable lead for sure, and is just a big walking muscle in this, the manly bastard. Anya Taylor-Joy is great as always, and the supporting cast boasts the likes of Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Ethan Hawke, and Claes Bang who are all stellar.
I can't heap enough praise on The Northman, another homerun from Eggers. I'd happily call it a masterpiece.
The first third is a fast moving setup that effectively establishes the characters and shows off quite an epic production. After that, The Northman becomes a tight and slow burning thriller as Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård) exacts a psychologically torturous revenge on the people who killer his father. It's a perfect marriage of powerful character drama, weird imagery, Viking culture and beliefs, bizarre gore, and fantasy set pieces, and it's slower pace ensures that it's utterly captivating.
The whole film looks incredible from start to finish and is complimented by a wonderful music score.
It's all cemented by a stacked cast. Skarsgård is a capable lead for sure, and is just a big walking muscle in this, the manly bastard. Anya Taylor-Joy is great as always, and the supporting cast boasts the likes of Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Ethan Hawke, and Claes Bang who are all stellar.
I can't heap enough praise on The Northman, another homerun from Eggers. I'd happily call it a masterpiece.
Darren (1599 KP) rated 13 Sins (2014) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Story: 13 Sins starts as Elliot Brindle (Webber) about to get married to Shelby (Wesley) and start his own family but because he isn’t as ruthless in his salesman job he loses his job making it difficult to supporting his mentally disabled brother Michael (Graye) and his bitter father (Bower).
Running out of options a chance phone call promises him money for doing something as simple as killing a fly once complete Elliot gets a second phone call with the promise of more money for a task. With two challenges down Elliot get offered a chance to enter into a game to complete in 11 more challenges to get more money that could change his life forever.
When the challenge starts to become very twisted it grabs the attention of Detective Chilcoat (Perlman) but just how far will Elliot will go for the money.
REPORT THIS AD
13 Sins gives us a horror thriller that pushes our character to the limit which is why I do think this is a very enjoyable. I will say it starts out slow and puts the character in a position that you would expect them to take the challenge by not knowing how far they would be pushed. This helps us think this would be hard to say no to. I will say this really pulls you in but I do think the certain moments at the end feel forced.
Actor Review
Mark Webber: Elliot Brindle is a down on his luck salesman who is about to get married, have his own child all while supporting his mentally disabled brother and alcoholic father. When he gets phone call he gets a chance to end all of his money troubles by completing a set of challenges, this will test Elliot to the very limits leaving us to wonder how far he will do. Mark is great in this role making us feel like he really is an average man struggling.
Devon Graye: Michael Brindle is the mentally disabled brother of Elliot who is about to find himself back in a home if his brother doesn’t find money to support him. Devon seems like an important character that just seems to get forgotten through the final outcome of the film.
Rutina Wesley: Shelby is the fiancée of Elliot who is getting ever so upset with Elliot on the day of the challenges because he is coming off distant but her relationship is important to everything that is happening. Rutina is basic in this supporting role because we don’t get the screen time.
Ron Perlman: Detective Chilcoat takes the case that Elliot finds himself causing him to discover what has been happening for years. Ron is solid in this supporting role that has a moment that is worth the wait nearer the end.
Support Cast: 13 Sins has a supporting cast that is included in the game in ways you have to figure out how they are involved.
Director Review: Daniel Stamm – Daniel gives us a thriller that is shocking in places as we just have to see how far we see our character go.
Horror: 13 Sins has gore moments that shock but filled with suspense around the gore.
Thriller: 13 Sins keeps us on edge as we wonder what will happen next in the game.
Settings: 13 Sins doesn’t have the most iconic locations which helps make us think it is in a small city but with the bigger picture of the game doesn’t work.
Special Effects: 13 Sins has great special effects used throughout with the gore factors.
Suggestion: 13 Sins is one for the horror fans to watch. (Horror Fans Watch)
Best Part: Final twist.
Worst Part: Slow starting.
Believability: No
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Similar Too: Would You Rather, Cheap Thrills
Oscar Chances: No
Budget: $4 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 33 Minutes
Tagline: You don’t play the game. It plays you.
Overall: Surprisingly entertaining horror thriller keeping us guessing throughout.
https://moviesreview101.com/2016/10/03/movie-reviews-101-midnight-halloween-horror-13-sins-2014/
Running out of options a chance phone call promises him money for doing something as simple as killing a fly once complete Elliot gets a second phone call with the promise of more money for a task. With two challenges down Elliot get offered a chance to enter into a game to complete in 11 more challenges to get more money that could change his life forever.
When the challenge starts to become very twisted it grabs the attention of Detective Chilcoat (Perlman) but just how far will Elliot will go for the money.
REPORT THIS AD
13 Sins gives us a horror thriller that pushes our character to the limit which is why I do think this is a very enjoyable. I will say it starts out slow and puts the character in a position that you would expect them to take the challenge by not knowing how far they would be pushed. This helps us think this would be hard to say no to. I will say this really pulls you in but I do think the certain moments at the end feel forced.
Actor Review
Mark Webber: Elliot Brindle is a down on his luck salesman who is about to get married, have his own child all while supporting his mentally disabled brother and alcoholic father. When he gets phone call he gets a chance to end all of his money troubles by completing a set of challenges, this will test Elliot to the very limits leaving us to wonder how far he will do. Mark is great in this role making us feel like he really is an average man struggling.
Devon Graye: Michael Brindle is the mentally disabled brother of Elliot who is about to find himself back in a home if his brother doesn’t find money to support him. Devon seems like an important character that just seems to get forgotten through the final outcome of the film.
Rutina Wesley: Shelby is the fiancée of Elliot who is getting ever so upset with Elliot on the day of the challenges because he is coming off distant but her relationship is important to everything that is happening. Rutina is basic in this supporting role because we don’t get the screen time.
Ron Perlman: Detective Chilcoat takes the case that Elliot finds himself causing him to discover what has been happening for years. Ron is solid in this supporting role that has a moment that is worth the wait nearer the end.
Support Cast: 13 Sins has a supporting cast that is included in the game in ways you have to figure out how they are involved.
Director Review: Daniel Stamm – Daniel gives us a thriller that is shocking in places as we just have to see how far we see our character go.
Horror: 13 Sins has gore moments that shock but filled with suspense around the gore.
Thriller: 13 Sins keeps us on edge as we wonder what will happen next in the game.
Settings: 13 Sins doesn’t have the most iconic locations which helps make us think it is in a small city but with the bigger picture of the game doesn’t work.
Special Effects: 13 Sins has great special effects used throughout with the gore factors.
Suggestion: 13 Sins is one for the horror fans to watch. (Horror Fans Watch)
Best Part: Final twist.
Worst Part: Slow starting.
Believability: No
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Similar Too: Would You Rather, Cheap Thrills
Oscar Chances: No
Budget: $4 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 33 Minutes
Tagline: You don’t play the game. It plays you.
Overall: Surprisingly entertaining horror thriller keeping us guessing throughout.
https://moviesreview101.com/2016/10/03/movie-reviews-101-midnight-halloween-horror-13-sins-2014/